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Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire #7
Imperial Legionary
Devin, Lord Lyon strikes back!
Accompanied by a battleship, a task force, and an unquenchable thirst for good wine, he’s heading for nearest major Imperial base to kick tabbos and take names. Of course, no convoy would be complete without Dirk, Lee, Scruggs, Dena, Rocky, and Ana along in the Heart’s Desire. He’s off to visit mayhem on the betrayers of the empire, but he has just a few teensy jobs for our heroes on the way. Just scout out a few planets and escort some troop ships to the marshaling point.
What could possibly go wrong?
If you like Galactic Empires, honorable enemies, and snappy dialog, this one’s for you!
Accompanied by a battleship, a task force, and an unquenchable thirst for good wine, he’s heading for nearest major Imperial base to kick tabbos and take names. Of course, no convoy would be complete without Dirk, Lee, Scruggs, Dena, Rocky, and Ana along in the Heart’s Desire. He’s off to visit mayhem on the betrayers of the empire, but he has just a few teensy jobs for our heroes on the way. Just scout out a few planets and escort some troop ships to the marshaling point.
What could possibly go wrong?
If you like Galactic Empires, honorable enemies, and snappy dialog, this one’s for you!
- GenresScience Fiction
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
132 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Moriarty
25 books283 followersAndrew Moriarty has been reading science fiction his whole life, and he always wondered about the stories he read. How did they ever pay the mortgage for that space ship? Why doesn’t it ever need to be refueled? What would happen if it broke, but the parts were backordered for weeks? And why doesn’t anybody ever have to charge sales tax? Despairing on finding the answers to these questions, he decided to write a book about how space ships would function in the real world. Ships need fuel, fuel costs money, and the accountants run everything.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2025
I’ll open by stating I was one of the Beta reviewers for Imperial Legionary and provided feedback to Mr. Moriarty on this book. That said, this review is from reading the final product.
Okay, I’m captured and have a love for this series. It’s, fun, light, and the characters or people around them are a little “stupid” at times. Hey, it’s how people are at times and it makes for a fun read.
Imperial Legionary picks up where Imperial Raider left off; meaning Tribune Devin is in revolt against the Chancellor to protect his sister the Emperoress and the crew of Hearts Desire is supporting him. Added into the mix has been Franky and Bronwin who are very reminiscent of Australians in space. Focus is finding the right path for Tribune Devin’s new fleet to follow to further the revolt.
The story here as usual is quick and fast. Action happens but there’s always a plot to it and the fun thing is that Tribune Devin seems to be in control of it though he might seem a bit dim about the Navy thing (my opinion, it’s a mask he wears. Devin is extremely sharp about people, especially with surrounding himself with those who make him better). My personal favorite support person for Devin is Imin, have to love the genial “big” guy who can cook and be the perfect dogrobber for Devin.
What’s really been interesting with this series and picked up a lot is how well the crew of Hearts Desire/Heavy Items is starting to pull together and become one team. Yes, there’s smack talk between them but you hear more and more respect for each other.
With the fun banter and a plot line that’s engaging I’m having big love here. There’s a few places where Mr. Moriarty does things a little different than I might (the timeline appears to jump in a couple of places, just read, Mr. Moriarty covers the apparent gap, trust me). That said, for as deep into the series as this is its fresh and fun with characters who’ll remind you of people you’ve met. You can read this one as a standalone but honestly, start at the beginning so you get to know and love the characters.
Okay, I’m captured and have a love for this series. It’s, fun, light, and the characters or people around them are a little “stupid” at times. Hey, it’s how people are at times and it makes for a fun read.
Imperial Legionary picks up where Imperial Raider left off; meaning Tribune Devin is in revolt against the Chancellor to protect his sister the Emperoress and the crew of Hearts Desire is supporting him. Added into the mix has been Franky and Bronwin who are very reminiscent of Australians in space. Focus is finding the right path for Tribune Devin’s new fleet to follow to further the revolt.
The story here as usual is quick and fast. Action happens but there’s always a plot to it and the fun thing is that Tribune Devin seems to be in control of it though he might seem a bit dim about the Navy thing (my opinion, it’s a mask he wears. Devin is extremely sharp about people, especially with surrounding himself with those who make him better). My personal favorite support person for Devin is Imin, have to love the genial “big” guy who can cook and be the perfect dogrobber for Devin.
What’s really been interesting with this series and picked up a lot is how well the crew of Hearts Desire/Heavy Items is starting to pull together and become one team. Yes, there’s smack talk between them but you hear more and more respect for each other.
With the fun banter and a plot line that’s engaging I’m having big love here. There’s a few places where Mr. Moriarty does things a little different than I might (the timeline appears to jump in a couple of places, just read, Mr. Moriarty covers the apparent gap, trust me). That said, for as deep into the series as this is its fresh and fun with characters who’ll remind you of people you’ve met. You can read this one as a standalone but honestly, start at the beginning so you get to know and love the characters.
July 13, 2025
Not as funny, more action and intrigue
I have been a massive fan of these books, giving 5* to at least 3 of them. This one falls slightly short of those, but still a good book
The funny moments are still laugh out loud funny, just not as many of them and the serious moments are a lot more serious and frequent, especially around the training and development of Scruggs
The Tribune, Prefect and Imin still have great conversations, for me these are the highlights of the entire book
Things have progressed and now the Tribune is leading a proper rebellion with all of the issues that go along with it. The last few pages give an indication of what other trials and tribulations he may have to deal with on the next and fire books
Overall a very good story. Only downside is, they just don't come along quick enough
I have been a massive fan of these books, giving 5* to at least 3 of them. This one falls slightly short of those, but still a good book
The funny moments are still laugh out loud funny, just not as many of them and the serious moments are a lot more serious and frequent, especially around the training and development of Scruggs
The Tribune, Prefect and Imin still have great conversations, for me these are the highlights of the entire book
Things have progressed and now the Tribune is leading a proper rebellion with all of the issues that go along with it. The last few pages give an indication of what other trials and tribulations he may have to deal with on the next and fire books
Overall a very good story. Only downside is, they just don't come along quick enough
July 12, 2025
In this book the rebellion is actually (slowly) starting. We get more information about what is going on in the empire and the rebel forces are getting ready to move towards the core of the empire.
We also see quite a bit of growth in some characters. Some need to become leaders in the larger scope while others need to learn how to become leaders. This leads to the tone of the story slowly changing from fun to a more darker tone - as leaders, people need to make choices and some times there are no good choices available, just a bunch of bad ones to choose from.
While this book is not as fun as the previous ones, it is understandable that the story and the characters need to go through different phases...
Disclosure: I received an advance copy to review but I still bought the book on release :)
We also see quite a bit of growth in some characters. Some need to become leaders in the larger scope while others need to learn how to become leaders. This leads to the tone of the story slowly changing from fun to a more darker tone - as leaders, people need to make choices and some times there are no good choices available, just a bunch of bad ones to choose from.
While this book is not as fun as the previous ones, it is understandable that the story and the characters need to go through different phases...
Disclosure: I received an advance copy to review but I still bought the book on release :)
July 13, 2025
This is an exciting addition to the author’s series that I really enjoyed. I wholeheartedly recommend this latest novel which can easily be read as a stand alone novel as can also be said for all his other books in the series. That is what has been a surprisingly nice part of the enjoyment of reading Moriarty’s books. I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read a prerelease copy for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
WOW What a great story!! (I received an advance reader copy) This 7th book in the series is a bit longer because there’s a lot going on and a lot more to enjoy. All of the main characters are here and Devin and Imin are back. A new, really fun thing that’s been added are characters thoughts that we readers are able to read as though we can hear their thoughts. Even Rocky is telling us his thoughts. It’s so funny. There’s a lot of action, various locations, intense moments, twists, and the humor that makes this one of my favorite series. This is my favorite book in this series!
July 11, 2025
Best one yet!
A really fun read. I thought the self referential funny bits were very well done. I really think this could be the strongest book in the series so far. I liked the bit where Rudnar took over control of the ship to avoid the moon and blow up the closing ships. The byplay over who should be offended was only topped by the execute, execute solution.
A really enjoyable romp with great characters and witty dialog!
A really fun read. I thought the self referential funny bits were very well done. I really think this could be the strongest book in the series so far. I liked the bit where Rudnar took over control of the ship to avoid the moon and blow up the closing ships. The byplay over who should be offended was only topped by the execute, execute solution.
A really enjoyable romp with great characters and witty dialog!
July 30, 2025
Things get complicated! This is a good entry into the series where more characters are involved, events happening, complications to plans, action, etc. Character growth is coming along nicely, or maybe not nicely, since it is being forced because of complications being adapted to. All of our fallible heroes are seen in action plus associated characters. Given all of that, it is not surprising the book is longer -- all the more to enjoy the fun and get more reasons why the empire is declining visibly as the book proceeds. Highly recommended but, read the previous books in order first so you know what is going on.
July 18, 2025
The Best Yet
The characters are maturing. The last thee installments have shown Lord Devin and Scruggs developing quickly. His appearance as an Imperial fop hid a deep sense of strategy, & Scruggs is turning into a special ops hard case. Meanwhile there is no hope for rapprochement between Dirk and Rocky.
Look out for the hogs. Most of that is true if exaggerated.
The characters are maturing. The last thee installments have shown Lord Devin and Scruggs developing quickly. His appearance as an Imperial fop hid a deep sense of strategy, & Scruggs is turning into a special ops hard case. Meanwhile there is no hope for rapprochement between Dirk and Rocky.
Look out for the hogs. Most of that is true if exaggerated.
August 2, 2025
I prefer small stories, this is tending toward galactic consequences but still makes it personal, well done .
July 15, 2025
Another solid addition to the series. For sure no one is what you think they are this time around. Everyone is learning and excelling, but not without some action, sarcasm, and hijinks along the way.
Also gotta say I love the Andrew Moriarty writes a bit from Rocky's point of view. He's a valuable part of the crew!
Also gotta say I love the Andrew Moriarty writes a bit from Rocky's point of view. He's a valuable part of the crew!
July 23, 2025
Outstanding
My only regret is finding this series so soon. I hate waiting for the next in series. Being afraid of spoilers, I won't say more, other than read this series.
My only regret is finding this series so soon. I hate waiting for the next in series. Being afraid of spoilers, I won't say more, other than read this series.
July 28, 2025
A Good Dose of Mayhem!
With this crew mayhem rules and it’s always a great ride along. Devin has a plan only he knows (unless it’s Imin’s plan). Scruggs is learning the ups and downs of command. Dena is actually becoming useful. Pilot has finally learned to land. And Ana continues to amaze. Story is a little chaotic but the banter is spot on.
With this crew mayhem rules and it’s always a great ride along. Devin has a plan only he knows (unless it’s Imin’s plan). Scruggs is learning the ups and downs of command. Dena is actually becoming useful. Pilot has finally learned to land. And Ana continues to amaze. Story is a little chaotic but the banter is spot on.
July 22, 2025
Irreverent fun
Finally a sci-fi author that doesn't take things so seriously, but there is still plenty of philosophy buried under the humor.
Finally a sci-fi author that doesn't take things so seriously, but there is still plenty of philosophy buried under the humor.
July 16, 2025
Things are getting interesting in the Empire! And Scruggs is amazing. Onward!
September 1, 2025
worthy of “the verge”
Who doesnt like maple syrup, and some of Imin’s soup? Read the book and be entertained! Only bad part is waiting on the next installment ;-)
Who doesnt like maple syrup, and some of Imin’s soup? Read the book and be entertained! Only bad part is waiting on the next installment ;-)
October 22, 2025
#7 in the Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire series.
Devin's rebellion is starting to become more rebellion-ish and the crew of Heart's Desire/Heavyweight Items is off on an assignment in aid of his cause.
There's much more action in this entry, but it's the characters that continue to draw me back to this series. I never tire of the verbal sparring, especially during the conversations between Ana and Dena. And Imin always seems to quietly steal any scenes he's in. The somewhat unsavory crew of Heart's Desire are so much fun to read about.
The overall plot hasn't been resolved when I finished this, so the good news is that there will be at least one more book. It's a nice, light series when that's what is needed.
Devin's rebellion is starting to become more rebellion-ish and the crew of Heart's Desire/Heavyweight Items is off on an assignment in aid of his cause.
There's much more action in this entry, but it's the characters that continue to draw me back to this series. I never tire of the verbal sparring, especially during the conversations between Ana and Dena. And Imin always seems to quietly steal any scenes he's in. The somewhat unsavory crew of Heart's Desire are so much fun to read about.
The overall plot hasn't been resolved when I finished this, so the good news is that there will be at least one more book. It's a nice, light series when that's what is needed.
February 18, 2026
surprise ending
Incompetent officers can succeed with competent staff and an amazing chef! Complexity is still a problem for a casual reader .
Incompetent officers can succeed with competent staff and an amazing chef! Complexity is still a problem for a casual reader .
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews